ASS-ABOUT

The Organization

Atlanta S/M Solidarity (A.S.S.) was formed in 1987 by members of
Atlanta's gay S/M fetish community. Its main purposes are to
educate and to provide accurate, objective, and up-to-date
information regarding safe and sane S/M sexual practices among
the gay male community. Information regarding S/M activity is
always shared in a supportive atmosphere, free from pressure, in an
effort to educate and inform those interested in S/M lifestyles and
practices.

Our activities include, but are not limited to, discussions and
forums on the various topics and techniques of gay male S/M
sexuality, demonstrations of such techniques, and private play
parties. The organization also provides a speaker's bureau available
to gay male and non-gay organizations and audiences who are
receptive to accurate information regarding S/M sexuality.

Membership

Full membership status in A.S.S. is open to gay males, 21 years of
age or older, residing in the Atlanta, Georgia area. Associate
memberships are also available to gay male individuals living
outside of Atlanta and, under special circumstances, to Atlanta
residents. Individuals petitioning membership must possess a
sincere desire to learn and share any and all knowledge of safe,
sane, consensual and pleasurable gay male S/M techniques.

If you are interested in becoming a member of A.S.S. Please fill out
the MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION and turn it in at one of our
meetings.

Outreach Programs

Outreach programs are presented to those specific audiences which
are receptive to the philosophy of A.S.S. and the S/M lifestyle.
A.S.S. provides its main outreach program through its annual
presentation of Spring in the South and in a series of presentations,
discussions, and demonstrations at a monthly forum entitled S/M
101.

The topics of the presentations vary; all individuals, gay, lesbian,
heterosexual, etc. are invited to attend. Our presenters include
members of A.S.S. and members of other area clubs invited to
provide materials and demonstrations.

A.S.S. History

Since our inception, much has changed in the S/M community and
in the outside world and A.S.S. (along with a few other Atlanta S/M
organizations) continues to thrive. The focus on education remains
the central core of our activities.

In the late 1980's, it was especially important to provide
opportunities for like-minded individuals to gather. The first Spring
in the South was held in 1988 incorporating demonstrations,
parties, and social interactions that supported members of a
common, mutually supportive S/M community. The need for
personal support for the community, for collegiality, and for
networking persists and so does Spring in the South. Over the
years, we have welcomed dozens of expert presenters from all over
the country and hundreds of people have attended.

Our avowed purpose of education in S/M practices, offered in a
supportive atmosphere, led to the initiation of S/M 101 classes for
the public in 1994. The classes quickly attracted many members of
the straight, bisexual, gay, and lesbian communities and were very
well received. A.S.S. continues to present the nation's most
knowledgeable and experienced practitioners of our art.

Founded in 1987, Atlanta S/M Solidarity began with a
President (David Krause), a Vice President (Greg
White), another board member (myself, Frank
Puckett), and three charter members. David agonized
over constitutions and bylaws so structured that not
even God could qualify for membership. However, a
few more of us did, and by the end of the first year,
Atlanta S/M Solidarity had twelve members. The
emphasis in the early years was on anonymity (the
use of first names only), blind ads, and private
demonstrations of skills and practices for each other
at closed meetings. There was no public socializing,
and there were no dungeon parties.

-Frank Best Puckett
Former Historian, 2004

Atlanta S/M Solidarity